Multi-grip dumbbell

ABSTRACT

The current application is directed to a multi-grip dumbbell. One example multi-grip dumbbell includes a central dumbbell handle, a first weighted head interconnected to the central dumbbell handle in proximity to a first end of the central dumbbell handle, and a second weighted head interconnected to the central dumbbell handle in proximity to a second end of the central dumbbell handle. The first weighted head has approximately the same weight as the second weighted head. The first weighted head includes a first end dumbbell handle and two side dumbbell handles. Similarly, the second weighted head includes a second end dumbbell handle and two side dumbbell handles.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part to application Ser. No.11/827,419, filed Jul. 11, 2007.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application is directed to the field of exercise equipment,and, in particular, to a multi-grip dumbbell.

BACKGROUND

Athletes, exercisers, and physical-therapy patients (“users”) often useexercise equipment to increase muscle mass, increase cardiovascularfitness, and/or aid with muscle rehabilitation. Many users prefer to usefree weights, including dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells, ratherthan complex weight-lifting machines. A large variety of exercises maybe performed using free weights, and free weights are generally lessexpensive and need less storage and usage space than other types ofexercise equipment. Additionally, free-weight exercises allow a user tomove weights without restrictive poles, weight-and-pulley systems, andother types of guidance systems commonly used by complex mechanicalexercise equipment. Accordingly, in addition to promoting power,strength, and athletic performance, free-weight use may also promotebalance and posture by developing stabilizing muscles.

Three commonly-used types of free weights include dumbbells, barbells,and kettlebells. Dumbbells are typically one-handed free weights.Accordingly, exercises performed with dumbbells are generally performedby either gripping a single dumbbell with one hand, or gripping a pairof dumbbells with two hands. Dumbbells may be adjustable orfixed-weight. FIG. 1A shows two example adjustable dumbbells. In FIG.1A, two adjustable dumbbells 100 and 101 are shown. The adjustabledumbbell 100 includes a central handle 102 for gripping the adjustabledumbbell 100, a first removably-attached grouping of variably-sizedweight plates 104 in proximity to a first end of the central handle 102,and a second removably-attached grouping of variably-sized weight plates106 in proximity to a second end of the central handle 102. Typically,the first removably-attached grouping of variably-sized weight plates104 and the second removably-attached grouping of variably-sized weightplates 106 are of approximately equal weight and the length of agripping surface on the central handle 102 is typically not much longerthan the width of a user's hand. FIG. 1B shows an example fixed-weightdumbbell. A fixed-weight dumbbell 108 includes a relatively shortcentral handle, or core 110, for gripping the fixed-weight dumbbell 108and permanently-attached weight knobs 112 and 114 at the opposite endsof the core 110.

A user may focus exercises, using either an adjustable or a fixed-weightdumbbell (“dumbbell”), on specific areas of the user's body. FIG. 2shows a series of example exercises performed using one or moredumbbells. Examples of different exercises that may be performed using adumbbell include: (1) a flat bench dumbbell press 202; (2) a flat benchdumbbell fly 203; (3) an incline dumbbell press 204; (4) a single armdumbbell row 205; (5) a shrug 216; (6) a seated dumbbell press 207; (7)a side lateral raise 208; (8) a seated alternate dumbbell bicep curl209; and (9) a bicep concentration curl 210. In each of the exercises202-210, each dumbbell is gripped by a central handle, which ismaintained approximately in a horizontal orientation.

A user's grip around a central handle with a gripping surface not muchlonger than the width of a user's hand limits the number of availablehand-gripping positions. Exercises performed using dumbbells aretypically performed either using relatively low-weight dumbbells and/ormaintaining dumbbells in a position such that a central handle isapproximately in a horizontal orientation so as to maintain a user'swrist in a relatively straight orientation to reduce potential strainand injury. FIG. 3 shows a series of exercises performed using dumbbellsinvolving potentially unsafe wrist twisting. FIG. 3 shows a user 302performing a tricep dumbbell press 304 and a tricep kickout 306. Whenperforming the tricep dumbbell press 304 or the tricep kickout 306, theuser 302 may twist his or her wrist. Twisting of a wrist may lead tostrain and injury. In addition, because a user typically grips adumbbell around a relatively short central handle, group exercises,which involve passing a dumbbell between two or more users, andsingle-user exercises in which a user grips a dumbbell with two hands,may be difficult to perform. Furthermore, due to a limited number ofavailable hand positions, exercises utilizing movements which employseveral different hand positions, such as dynamic exercises, may bedifficult to perform using a dumbbell.

Barbells are typically two-handed free weights. Exercises performed withbarbells are generally performed by a user gripping a single barbellwith two hands. FIG. 4 shows an example barbell. A barbell 400 includesa central handle 402 for gripping the barbell 400 with twovariably-spaced hands, a first group of variably-sized weight plates 404in proximity to a first end of the central handle 402, and a secondgroup of variably-sized weight plates in proximity to a second end ofthe central handle 402. As with dumbbells, the first group ofvariably-sized weight plates 404 and the second group of variably-sizedweight plates 406 are typically of approximately equal weight.

FIG. 5 shows a series of example exercises performed using barbells.Some exercises that may be performed using a barbell include: (1) abench press 502; and (2) a barbell squat 504. Barbells are often heavierthan dumbbells and, due to the relatively-long length of the centralhandle of a barbell, may be less stable and may create more torque whilelifting. Consequently, barbell users often utilize a spotter to helpavoid injury in the event that the barbell user is unable to maintaincontrol of the barbell. The relatively-long length of a central handlefor a barbell allows for more hand positions than a dumbbell. Therefore,dynamic exercises may be performed with barbells. However, therelatively-long length of a central handle for a barbell may make itdifficult for a user to perform exercises involving horizontal twistingof the central handle, or exercises where the central handle of thebarbell is positioned in an approximately perpendicular orientation.Additionally, the relatively-long length of a central handle maynecessitate the use of a large amount of space for performing exercises.

Kettlebells are typically one-handed free weights. Kettlebell exercisesare generally performed by either gripping a single kettlebell with onehand, or gripping a pair of kettlebells with two hands. FIG. 6 shows anexample kettlebell. A kettlebell 600 includes a ball with a flat bottom602 attached to a curved handle 604 for gripping. The shape of akettlebell creates a center of gravity low on a user's arm, enabling theuser to safely perform exercises involving the twisting of the user'swrist, such as the wrist-twisting exercises shown in FIG. 3.Consequently, exercises performed with kettlebells may be dynamic,powerful, and explosive. FIG. 7 shows a series of example exercisesperformed using one or more kettlebells. Some example exercises that maybe performed using one or more kettlebells include: (1) a kettlebellclean 702; (2) a single arm kettlebell row 704; (3) an alternating floorpress 706; (4) a single arm kettlebell jerk 708; (5) a kettlebell swing710; and (6) a kettlebell windmill 712. The ability to perform bodymotions that include wrist twisting allows a user to rapidly transitionbetween a plurality of exercises, resulting in increased cardiovascularfitness and greater overall strength.

However, the configuration of a kettlebell often makes it difficult fora user to grip one kettlebell with two hands, limiting the grippingoptions available to the user. In addition, the orientation of a user'sgrip on a curved handle makes it potentially unsafe for a user totransfer a kettlebell to another user while performing group exercises.Kettlebells are easily misused by users in ways that can lead to injuryboth to users and others in the proximity of a user and, even whenproperly used, can result in wrist soreness and abrasion to forearms.Kettlebells are also not readily available in a wide range of weights.

Additional exercise devices include medicine balls and weighted balls.These devices provide for a different range of exercises than theabove-mentioned free weights.

Athletic trainers, coaches, physical therapists, and users continue toseek compact free weights that allow a user to safely perform a largenumber of different exercises, including one-handed exercises,two-handed exercises, dynamic exercises involving wrist-twisting, andexercises involving the passing of exercise equipment between two ormore users.

SUMMARY

The current application is directed to a multi-grip dumbbell. Oneexample multi-grip dumbbell includes a central dumbbell handle, a firstweighted head interconnected to the central dumbbell handle in proximityto a first end of the central dumbbell handle, and a second weightedhead interconnected to the central dumbbell handle in proximity to asecond end of the central dumbbell handle. The first weighted head hasapproximately the same weight as the second weighted head. The firstweighted head includes a first end dumbbell handle and two side dumbbellhandles. Similarly, the second weighted head includes a second enddumbbell handle and two side dumbbell handles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows two example adjustable dumbbells.

FIG. 1B shows an example fixed-weight dumbbell.

FIG. 2 shows a series of example exercises performed using dumbbells.

FIG. 3 shows a series of exercises performed using dumbbells involvingpotentially unsafe wrist-twisting.

FIG. 4 shows an example barbell.

FIG. 5 shows a series of example exercises performed using barbells.

FIG. 6 shows an example kettlebell.

FIG. 7 shows a series of example exercises performed using kettlebells.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a multi-grip dumbbell to which thecurrent application is directed.

FIG. 8 b shows a side view of the multi-grip dumbbell shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C shows an end view of the multi-grip dumbbell shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 shows two different orientations of end dumbbell handles on themulti-grip dumbbell shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of three multi-grip dumbbells withdifferently-sized weighted-head pairs.

FIGS. 11A-11C show a series of three one-handed gripping techniquesusing multi-grip dumbbells.

FIGS. 12A-12C show a series of three different two-handed grips that auser may employ to perform a French curl using a multi-grip dumbbell.

FIGS. 13A-13C show a series of three alternate two-handed grippingpositions that may be used while performing an exercise using amulti-grip dumbbell.

FIG. 14 shows a user utilizing an asymmetric two-handed grip on amulti-grip dumbbell.

FIG. 15 shows a first user passing to a second user a multi-gripdumbbell.

FIGS. 16A-16C show a user performing a two-handed dynamic exercise usinga multi-grip dumbbell.

FIG. 17 shows yet another example of a multi-grip dumbbell to which thecurrent application is directed.

FIG. 18 provides an alternative view of the multi-grip dumbbell shown inFIG. 17.

FIG. 19 shows the multi-grip dumbbell of FIGS. 17-18 following removalof the polymeric or tape-like end-handle cover and a bolt-hole cap fromthe end handle.

FIG. 20 shows the multi-grip dumbbell as shown in FIG. 19 with bolt 1902removed.

FIG. 21 provides an exploded diagram of a weighted head of themulti-grip dumbbell shown in FIGS. 17-20.

FIG. 22 shows another exploded view of the multi-grip dumbbell.

FIG. 23 shows the central handle of the multi-grip dumbbell illustratedin FIGS. 17-22.

FIGS. 24A-B show additional examples of the multi-grip dumbbell to whichthe current application is directed.

FIGS. 25-26 illustrate a selectably rotatably mounted central-handleassembly for the version of the multi-grip dumbbell that allows thecentral handle to be selectably configured to rotate with respect to theweighted heads and inner-central-handle member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The current application is directed to a multi-grip dumbbell. Themulti-grip dumbbell includes a central dumbbell handle and a weightedhead in proximity to each of two ends of the central dumbbell handle.Each weighted head includes an end dumbbell handle and two side dumbbellhandles. A user may grip one or more of a number of different dumbbellhandles on one or more of the multi-grip dumbbells with either one ortwo hands. Once the user has a firm grip on one or more multi-gripdumbbells, the user may perform a variety of different exercises withthe one or more multi-grip dumbbells, including one-handed exercises,two-handed exercises, dynamic exercises; passing exercises, and othertypes of exercises.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a multi-grip dumbbell that is anexample of the multi-grip dumbbells to which the current application isdirected. A multi-grip dumbbell 800 includes a central dumbbell handle802, a first weighted head 804 in proximity to a first end of thecentral dumbbell handle 802, and a second weighted head 806 in proximityto a second end of the central dumbbell handle 802. The first weightedhead 804 includes an end dumbbell handle 808 and two side dumbbellhandles 810 and 812. Similarly, the second weighted head 806 includes anend dumbbell handle 814 and two side dumbbell handles 816 and 818. Theterm “weighted” refers to the fact that the weighted heads haverelatively large masses, the inertia associated with which requiresusers to exert significant forces in order to move the multi-gripdumbbell. Weighted heads may include heads fabricated from metals orother dense materials, heads fabricated from materials with embeddeddense inclusions, or heads fabricated from hollow shells filled with amaterial of relatively large mass, such as lead pellets. The term“weighted” does not refer simply to the fact that an object or materialgenerally has a mass that, when acted on by gravity, produces a weight.For example, a head made from a hollow tube of polyethylene would not beconsidered to be a weighted head. Furthermore, dumbbells often havedesigned, fixed weights such as, for example, ten-pound dumbbells,15-pound dumbbells, 20-pound dumbbells, and other such fixed weights. Aweighted head therefore has a designed mass so that the combined massesof two weighted heads, the central dumbbell handle, and any othercomponents of the multi-grip dumbbell together have a mass that, underthe force of gravity, produces the desired fixed weight.

FIG. 8B shows a side view of the multi-grip dumbbell shown in FIG. 8A.The central dumbbell handle 802 interconnects to the first weighted head804 and to the second weighted head 806. The central dumbbell handle 802interconnects to the first weighted head 804 in proximity to the centerof an interior surface of the first end dumbbell handle 808. Similarly,the central dumbbell handle 802 interconnects to the second weightedhead 806 in proximity to the center of an interior surface of the secondend dumbbell handle 814. In FIG. 8B, the central dumbbell handle 802 iscylindrical and the first weighted head 804 and the second weighted head806 are substantially planar. Additionally, the first weighted head 804and the second weighted head 806 are approximately parallel to eachother and approximately orthogonal to the central dumbbell handle 802.In alternate examples of multi-grip dumbbells, neither the firstweighted head 804 nor the second weighted head 806 are substantiallyplanar.

The side dumbbell handles, end dumbbell handles, and central dumbbellhandle of a multi-grip dumbbell may also be weighted. In theabove-described example dumbbells, the side dumbbell handles areweighted by virtue of comprising hand-accessible portions of thecylindrical rings of the weighted heads. In alternative examples, theweighting may be alternatively distributed, leaving the side dumbbellhandles unweighted.

As discussed above, dumbbells are different from barbells. Barbells aregenerally intended for two-handed use, generally include removableweight plates, and are generally significantly heavier than dumbbells.By contrast, dumbbells are intended for single-handed use when grippedonly by the central dumbbell handle, typically are lighter thanbarbells, and feature generally shorter central dumbbell handles. Asshown in FIG. 5, barbells are generally gripped by the central handlewith both hands. Because of the relatively long length of the centralhandle and heavy weight of barbells, single-handed use of a barbellwould generally be inconvenient and dangerous to a user. By contrast,dumbbells are generally used, as shown in FIG. 2, by gripping thecentral handle of the dumbbell with one hand. Even when the centralhandle of a dumbbell is sufficiently long to accommodate two-handed use,two-handed use of a dumbbell would nonetheless be inconvenient. Theinconvenience would result from the relatively large ratios of thediameters of the weighted heads to the length of the central dumbbellhandle, resulting in significant constraints and constrictions in armmovement and dumbbell positioning when the central dumbbell handle isgripped by two hands. When the central handle of a dumbbell is grippedby two hands, the large diameters of the weights heads constrain both ofa user's arms to be nearly parallel and orthogonal to the long axis ofthe central dumbbell handle. This constraint limits possible movementsby a user. In certain cases, two-handed gripping of a dumbbell handlemay be employed in certain exercises. However, although two-handedgripping is possible, each dumbbell handle also can be gripped and movedconveniently and safely with only a single hand. Thus, to be clear,dumbbells and barbells are two different types of free-weight exercisedevices with different physical characteristics and intended uses. Thecurrent application is directed to dumbbells, and not to barbells.

In one example multi-grip dumbbell, a central dumbbell handle isinterconnected to a first weighted head and to a second weighted head bypressing a first portion of the central dumbbell handle into a firstrecess in proximity to the center of an inside surface of the firstweighted head and pressing a second portion of the central dumbbellhandle into a second recess in proximity to the center of an insidesurface of the second weighted head. In alternate examples of multi-gripdumbbells, a central dumbbell handle is interconnected to a firstweighted head and to a second weighted head by welding a centraldumbbell handle in proximity to the center of an inside surface of thefirst weighted head and in proximity to the center of an inside surfaceof the second weighted head. Various other means exist forinterconnecting a central dumbbell handle to a first weighted head andto a second weighted head, including both pressing and welding a centraldumbbell handle in proximity to the center of an inside surface of afirst weighted head and in proximity to the center of an inside surfaceof a second weighted head, screwing a central dumbbell handle to arecess in proximity to the center of both an inside surface of a firstweighted head and in proximity to the center of an inside surface of asecond weighted head, and bolting a central dumbbell handle fullyinserted through a mounting aperture positioned in proximity to thecenter of a first weighted head and a mounting aperture positioned inproximity to the center of a second weighted head. Note that, in FIGS.8A-8B, the weighted heads 804 and 806 are aligned such that the enddumbbell handles are each in the same orientation. However, in alternateexamples of multi-grip dumbbells, the weighted heads are non-aligned,thus the end dumbbell handles are not in the same orientation.

FIG. 8C shows an end view of the multi-grip dumbbell shown in FIG. 8A.In FIG. 8C, the first weighted head 804 is roughly disc-shaped, with theend dumbbell handle 808 bisecting the first weighted head 804. The enddumbbell handle 808 includes two opposing ends 820 and 822, eachopposing end 820 and 822 forming an arc along the perimeter of the firstweighted head 804. Each side dumbbell handle 810 and 812 is curved inshape to form an arc along the perimeter of the first weighted head 804,with one end of each side dumbbell handle 810 and 812 interconnecting tothe end dumbbell handle 808 in proximity to each of the opposing ends820 and 822 of the end dumbbell handle 808. Collectively, the twoopposing arc-shaped side dumbbell handles 810 and 812 and the twoopposing arc-shaped ends 820 and 822 of the end dumbbell handle 808create the disc shape of the first weighted head 804. Note that, in themulti-grip dumbbell shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, there are two open regionsbetween the end dumbbell handle 808 and each of the side dumbbellhandles 810 and 812. The open regions are defined by being medial toeach side dumbbell handle 810 and 812 and lateral to the end dumbbellhandle 808 and provide space to accommodate a portion of a user's handas a user grips the end dumbbell handle 808 and/or one or more of theside dumbbell handles 810 and 812.

In FIG. 8C, the side dumbbell handles 810 and 812 are shown with roundcircumferences for gripping and are on opposite sides of the firstweighted head 804 from one another. In one example multi-grip dumbbell,a weighted head is a unitary structure and is fabricated from a singlemold. In alternate examples of multi-grip dumbbells, the end dumbbellhandle and the side dumbbell handles are separate pieces that arefabricated separately and subsequently interconnected. In one examplemulti-grip dumbbell, each end of a side dumbbell handle is welded to anend dumbbell handle. Various other methods of interconnecting sidedumbbell handles to an end dumbbell handle may be used, including usingan epoxy, pressing one or more ends of a side dumbbell handle into oneor more recesses within an end dumbbell handle, screwing a side dumbbellhandle to an end dumbbell handle, or bolting a side dumbbell handle toan end dumbbell handle.

In one example multi-grip dumbbell, a weighted head for a multi-gripdumbbell is weighted such that the weight distribution in the weightedhead is not affected by the orientation of an end dumbbell handle alongan axis defined by the central dumbbell handle. FIG. 9 shows twodifferent orientations of end dumbbell handles on the multi-gripdumbbell shown in FIG. 8A. A first orientation 902 shows the enddumbbell handles 808 and 814 positioned horizontally, while a secondorientation 904 shows the end dumbbell handles 808 and 814 positionedvertically. The weight distribution of the multi-grip dumbbell 800 isapproximately equal in all directions in planes perpendicular to an axisdefined by a central dumbbell handle. Accordingly, the side dumbbellhandles 810, 812, 816, and 818 are weighted such that, in eitherorientation 902 or 904, the distribution of weight in the first weightedhead 804 and the second weighted head 806 remains similar when themulti-grip dumbbell 800 is lifted in a direction indicated bydirectional arrow 906. Thus, the multi-grip dumbbell 800 may be used ina manner that is similar to a dumbbell, with a user gripping, a centraldumbbell handle, without the need for orienting the multi-grip dumbbellso that the end dumbbell handles are in a specific orientation prior touse in order to obtain a specific center of gravity.

Multi-grip dumbbells may include a first weighted head and a secondweighted head (“weighted-head pairs”) of various similar sizes. FIG. 10shows a perspective view of three multi-grip dumbbells withdifferently-sized weighted-head pairs. Three multi-grip dumbbells1001-1003 include weighted-head pairs 1005-1007, respectively. In FIG.10, the weighted-head pair 1007 on the multi-grip dumbbell 1003 islarger in size than the weighted-head pair 1006 on the multi-gripdumbbell 1002. Similarly, the weighted-head pair 1005 on the multi-gripdumbbell 1001 is larger in size than the weighted-head pair 1007 on themulti-grip dumbbell 1003. In one multi-grip dumbbell, an increase in thesize of a weighted-head pair results in an increase in weight of acorresponding multi-grip dumbbell. In one multi-grip dumbbell, changesin the size of weighted heads for variously weighted multi-gripdumbbells also results in changes in the circumference of thecorresponding side dumbbell handles. In another multi-grip dumbbell,despite changes in the size of weighted heads for variously weightedmulti-grip dumbbells, the size of a corresponding central dumbbellhandle remains a constant length and diameter.

To reiterate, the multi-grip dumbbell to which the present applicationis directed includes seven different dumbbell handles: (1) the centraldumbbell handle (802 in FIG. 8B); (2) a first pair of side dumbbellhandles (810 and 812 in FIGS. 8C and 804 in FIG. 8B) on a first weightedhead; (3) a second pair of side dumbbell handles on a second weightedhead (806 in FIG. 8B); (4) a first end dumbbell handle (808 in FIG. 8C)within a first weighted head (804 in FIG. 8B); and (5) a second enddumbbell handle within a second weighted head (806 in FIG. 8B). Thesedumbbell handles are all designed for safe and biomechanically correctgripping by a user. Dumbbell handles are located in positions, forexample, that allow a user to grip the handle without being constrainedto adopt biomechanically inconvenient or dangerous body positions and sothat, once gripped, the dumbbell can be safely lifted and moved. Amulti-grip dumbbell handle is designed so that a user can grasp thedumbbell by the dumbbell handle with one hand and lift or move thedumbbell safely. By way of contrast, the central handle of a barbellcannot be considered to be a dumbbell handle, since a barbell cannot besafely grasped anywhere by one hand and moved or lifted, due to itsrelatively large mass and relatively long central handle that provides along lever arm and high resulting torque due to the weighted platesunless the central handle is grasped exactly at a balance point alongthe central handle. In short, dumbbell handles are designed features ofthe multi-grip dumbbell that provide for safe and biomechanicallyfeasible and efficient handling of the multi-grip dumbbell by a userusing a single hand to grasp the multi-grip dumbbell. In the followingdiscussion, the term “handle,” when used to describe a handle of amulti-grip dumbbell, is understood to mean “dumbbell handle.” Thus, inthe following, the term “handle” is used interchangeably with the phrase“dumbbell handle.” However, as discussed above, a barbell handle is notequivalent to a dumbbell handle, so that the term “handle” when appliedto a barbell cannot be used interchangeably with the phrase “dumbbellhandle.”

Multi-grip dumbbells may be used either singly or in pairs.Additionally, multi-grip dumbbells may be gripped with either one handor with two hands in a number of different ways, such as by using acentral handle, using one or more side handles, and/or using one or moreend handles. FIGS. 11A-11C show a series of three example one-handedgripping techniques using multi-grip dumbbells. FIG. 11A shows a usergripping a central handle of a multi-grip dumbbell. FIG. 11B shows auser gripping a side handle of a multi-grip dumbbell. FIG. 11C shows auser gripping an end handle of a multi-grip dumbbell. Note that, inFIGS. 11A-11B the central handle and side handles may be gripped suchthat a user's arm is in either a pronated or a supinated position. Notealso that, in FIG. 11C an end handle may be gripped from either an outerside of a weighted head, as shown in FIG. 11C, or from an inner side ofa weighted head, opposite from the side shown in FIG. 11C.

Performing exercises by using a variety of different hand grips mayintroduce variations of leverage, torque, center of gravity, and overalldifficulty which may improve overall strength, balance, and comfort.FIGS. 12A-12C show a series of three different two-handed grips that auser may employ to perform a French curl using a multi-grip dumbbell.FIG. 12A shows a first French-curl-gripping technique for a multi-gripdumbbell. In FIG. 12A, a user 1202 is gripping a multi-grip dumbbell1204 by maintaining the palms and fingers of his hands 1206 and 1208 ina flat orientation and placing his palms against an inner surface of apair of side handles on a weighted head. FIG. 12B shows a secondFrench-curl gripping technique for a multi-grip dumbbell. In FIG. 12B,the user 1202 is gripping the multi-grip dumbbell 1204 on an inner sideof an end handle. The user 1202 is placing the palms of his hands 1206and 1208 along an inner surface of a weighted head and wrapping hisfingers into a first open region between the end handle and a first sidehandle, and wrapping his thumb into a second open region between the endhandle and a second side handle. FIG. 12C shows a third French-curlgripping technique for a multi-grip dumbbell. In FIG. 12C, the user 1202is holding the multi-grip dumbbell 1204 by gripping a pair of sidehandles on one of the weighted heads.

Alternate leverages may be created by utilizing various hand grips whileperforming a given exercise using a multi-grip dumbbell. Utilizingvarious hand grips may alter the difficulty of a given exercise bychanging the center of gravity of a multi-grip dumbbell and consequentlychanging the leverage available to the user while performing the givenexercise. FIGS. 13A-13C show a series of three alternate two-handedgripping positions that may be used while performing an exercise using amulti-grip dumbbell. FIG. 13A shows a first two-handed gripping positionfor performing an exercise using a multi-grip dumbbell. In FIG. 13A, auser 1302 is gripping a multi-grip dumbbell 1304 by placing a first hand1306 on a side handle 1308 on a first weighted head 1310 and placing asecond hand 1312 on a side handle 1314 on a second weighted head 1316.FIG. 13B shows a second two-handed gripping position for performing theexercise shown in FIG. 13A using a multi-grip dumbbell. In FIG. 13B, theuser 1302 is gripping the multi-grip dumbbell 1304 by placing his firsthand (1306 in FIG. 13A) on the side handle (1308 FIG. 13A) on the firstweighted head 1310 and placing his second hand 1312 on the side handle1318 on the first weighted head 1310. FIG. 13C shows a third two-handedgripping position for performing the exercise shown in FIG. 13A using amulti-grip dumbbell. In FIG. 13C, the user 1302 is gripping themulti-grip dumbbell 1304 by placing his first hand 1306 on an outersurface of an end handle 1320 on the weighted head 1310 and placing hissecond hand 1312 on an outer surface of an end handle 1322 on theweighted head 1316.

Alternate two-handed gripping techniques may also be utilized to performasymmetric exercises wherein two symmetric muscles, such as two biceps,are exercised differently while both gripping the same free weight. FIG.14 shows a user utilizing an asymmetric two-handed grip on a multi-gripdumbbell. In FIG. 14, a user 1404 is holding a multi-grip dumbbell 1404.The user's first hand 1406 is gripping a side handle 1408 on a firstweighted head 1410 while the user's second hand 1412 is gripping a sidehandle 1414 on an opposite side of a second weighted head 1416. Variousother types of asymmetric two-handed gripping techniques may also beutilized, including placing a first hand on a side handle and a secondhand on a central handle, placing a first hand on a side handle and asecond hand on an end handle, placing a first hand on a central handleand a second hand on an end handle, and other asymmetric two-handedgripping techniques.

Providing multiple handles on a multi-grip dumbbell may facilitate thepassing of one or more multi-grip dumbbells between two or more users.FIG. 15 shows a first user passing to a second user a multi-gripdumbbell. In FIG. 15, a first user 1502 is passing a multi-grip dumbbell1504 to a second user 1506. The first user 1502 is gripping themulti-grip dumbbell 1504 by a side handle 1508 on a first weighted head1510. The second user 1506 is gripping the multi-grip dumbbell 1504 by aside handle 1512 on the first weighted head 1510. Various alternatepassing techniques may be utilized, including a first user gripping amulti-grip dumbbell by a side handle on a first weighted head and asecond user gripping the multi-grip dumbbell by a side handle on asecond weighted head, a first user gripping a multi-grip dumbbell by acentral handle and a second user gripping the multi-grip dumbbell by aside handle, a first user gripping a multi-grip dumbbell by a sidehandle and a second user gripping the multi-grip dumbbell by a centralhandle, a first user gripping a multi-grip dumbbell by a central handleand a second user gripping the multi-grip dumbbell by an end handle, afirst user gripping a multi-grip dumbbell by an end handle and a seconduser gripping the multi-grip dumbbell by a central handle, a first usergripping a multi-grip dumbbell by an end handle and a second usergripping the multi-grip dumbbell by an end handle, a first user grippinga multi-grip dumbbell by a side handle and a second user gripping themulti-grip dumbbell by an end handle, a first user gripping a multi-gripdumbbell by an end handle and a second user gripping the multi-gripdumbbell by a side handle, and various other passing techniques. Notethat the passing technique shown in FIG. 15, as well as the variousother passing techniques listed above, utilizes a one-handed passing ofa multi-grip dumbbell. A multi-grip dumbbell may also be passed usingtwo hands using various combinations of the central handle, end handles,and side handles. Using two hands may be safer than using one handbecause multiple grips may be used to promote a better grip and todistribute the weight of a multi-grip dumbbell.

Providing multiple handles on a multi-grip dumbbell may facilitate theperformance of dynamic exercises that involve multiple movements andthat may not be safe to perform with a standard dumbbell or kettlebelland may also not be feasible to perform with a barbell. FIGS. 16A-16Cshow a user performing a two-handed dynamic exercise using a multi-gripdumbbell. In FIG. 16A, a user 1602 is gripping a multi-grip dumbbell1604 by a side handle on each of two weighted heads. The user 1602 isholding the multi-grip dumbbell 1604 to his left and is moving themulti-grip dumbbell 1604 upward in an arced direction, represented inFIG. 16A by a directional arrow 1606. In FIG. 16B, the user 1602 isholding the multi-grip dumbbell 1604 over his head and is moving themulti-grip dumbbell 1604 downward in an arc, represented in FIG. 16B byarrow 1608. In FIG. 16C, the user 1602 is holding the multi-gripdumbbell 1604 to his right and is moving the multi-grip dumbbell 1604upward in an arc, represented in FIG. 16C by an arrow 1610. Providingmultiple handles on a multi-grip dumbbell also facilitates theperformance of other dynamic exercises that involve multiple movements,such as continually rotating different grips on a multi-grip dumbbellusing either one or two hands, or flipping a multi-grip dumbbell in theair, thus rotating from a first grip to a second grip on the samelocation or on a different location on the multi-grip dumbbell usingeither one or two hands.

Providing multiple handles on a multi-grip dumbbell promotes safety.Spotting may be utilized by either a user or a third party. For example,a user may utilize multiple grips to perform an exercise by lifting amulti-grip dumbbell by a first handle with a first hand, while using asecond hand on a different handle to provide self-assistance, forexample, when a user becomes fatigued using the first hand.Additionally, a user may perform an exercise using one or two hands onone or two grips while a third-party spotter uses one or two other gripsto spot the user and provide assistance when needed. In addition topromoting safety, providing a spotter may also improve strength byallowing a user to lift heavier weights or perform additionalrepetitions when a user begins to become fatigued.

Multi-grip dumbbells can also be used for exercises in which userstraditionally use medicine balls and weighted balls. One exampleexercise that traditional involves medicine balls is the Mason twist,for which a multi-grip dumbbell is well suited.

FIG. 17 shows yet another example of a multi-grip dumbbell to which thecurrent application is directed. The multi-grip dumbbell 1700 shown inFIG. 17 is a ten-pound fixed-weight multi-grip dumbbell. As with thepreviously described multi-grip dumbbells, the more refined and moreelegantly styled multi-grip dumbbell 1700 includes seven separate anddistinct dumbbell handles: (1) a contoured central handle; (2) a firstside handle 1704; (3) a second side handle 1706; (4) a third side handle1708; (5) a fourth side handle 1710; (6) a first end handle 1712; and(7) a second end handle 1714. The cylindrical rings of the weightedheads 1716 and 1718 are cast steel with rubber over-molding to providefor relatively high-friction contact with surfaces on which the dumbbellis placed or rolled, to protect the cast metal from exposure to water,water vapor, and other environmental substances that could initiatecorrosion or other degradation, and to prevent abrasion or other damagesto surfaces on which the multi-grip dumbbell is placed or across whichthe multi-grip dumbbell is rolled. The end handles, discussed in moredetail below, are cast or molded structures overmolded with a polymericmaterial. End handles can have a different color than the weighted-headcylindrical rings and can also have a different texture and otherproperties that differ from corresponding properties of theweighted-head cylindrical rings. The contoured central handle 1702includes annular grip features 1720-1724 that, in one example multi-gripdumbbell, are shrunk by cooling to be securely mounted withincomplementary annular impressions in the contoured central handlefollowing initial expansion of the annular grip features by heating. Thecircular cross-section of the contoured central handle 1702 has acontinuously varying diameter with respect to position along the centralhandle, with greatest diameters near the center of the central handleand at the ends of the central handle proximal to end handles of theweighted heads. The central handle may be cast steel or aluminum, incertain examples of multi-grip dumbbells. Alternatively, the centralhandle may be hollow. The central handle may be overmolded withpolymeric material, as with the circular rings of the weighted heads,may alternatively have a polished stainless-steel or aluminum surface,or may have various polymeric coatings to provide a resilient,bright-polished-metal or matt-metal appearance. In one example set offixed-weight multi-grip dumbbells, with weights of five pounds, tenpounds, and 15 pounds, the length of the central handle varies from 6and ⅝ inches to 36 inches over the weight range.

In alternative examples of the elegant multi-grip dumbbell shown in FIG.17, the weighted heads may be single-piece cast weighted heads ratherthan annular weight-head rings with separately fabricated end handles.Alternatively, the weight-head rings may be hollow tubes that may beadditionally filled with suitable dense material to achieve a desiredweight. In either solid or hollow-tubing implementations, any of variousdifferent metal alloys can be employed for fabricating of the weightedheads and central handle.

FIG. 18 provides an alternative view of the multi-grip dumbbell shown inFIG. 17. As shown in FIG. 18, each end handle, such as end handle 1804,may include a strip of tape or polymeric material 1806 that is affixedwithin a complementarily shaped depression in the end handle that servesas an end-handle cover to cover internal features, discussed below, andto provide coloring and labeling for the multi-grip dumbbell.

FIG. 19 shows the multi-grip dumbbell of FIGS. 17-18 following removalof the polymeric or tape-like end-handle cover and a bolt-hole cap fromthe end handle. Removal of the end-handle cover and bolt-hole capreveals the head of a bolt 1902 within the end handle that fastens thecentral handle to weighted head 1708.

FIG. 20 shows the multi-grip dumbbell as shown in FIG. 19 with bolt 1902removed. As shown in FIG. 20, bolt 1902 is secured with a lock washer2002. Bolt 1902 passes through an aperture 2004 in a weight-platebracket, discussed below, and threads into a complementary threadedreceptacle within the central handle.

FIG. 21 provides an exploded diagram of a weighted head of themulti-grip dumbbell shown in FIGS. 17-20. The weight-head ring 2102comprises a circular cylindrical ring that, as discussed above, isovermolded with rubber or another polymeric material. A crossing memberis cast together with the outer ring, to form a one-piecering-and-crossing-member component, in certain implementations, oralternatively may be separately fashioned and welded or otherwisesecurely fixed to the cylindrical ring. The crossing member includes amounting aperture 2106 complementary to a raised feature on the end ofthe central handle. A weight-plate bracket 2108 includes an aperture2004 through which the threaded body of bolt (1902 in FIG. 20) passes.The crossing member 2104 and weight-plate bracket 2108 are both securelypositioned within the end-handle 2110 that may be molded from plastic orvarious reinforced materials, cast from a metal alloy, or assembled fromplastic or metal components. A bolt-hole cap 2112 fits into thebolt-hold-cap aperture 2114 of the end handle 2110 to cover the bolthead.

FIG. 22 shows another exploded view of the multi-grip dumbbell. In thisview, the polymeric or tape-like end-handle covers 2202 and 2204 areshown to the left and right, respectively, of the left bolt 2206 andright bolt 2208 that secure the left weighted head 2210 and the rightweighted head 2212, respectively, to the central handle 2214.

FIG. 23 shows the central handle of the multi-grip dumbbell illustratedin FIGS. 17-22. The raised features 2302 and 2304 that fit withinhorizontal-member apertures 2106 within the left and right weightedheads are clearly seen in FIG. 23. The contour of the central handle maybe varied in different implementations to provide desired shapes forgripping as well as to enhance the appearance of the multi-gripdumbbell.

FIGS. 24A-B show additional examples of the multi-grip dumbbell to whichthe current application is directed. FIG. 24A shows another example ofthe multi-grip dumbbell to which the current application is directed.Like the multi-grip dumbbell shown in FIGS. 12-23, the multi-gripdumbbell shown in FIG. 24 features overmolded cylindrical weight-headrings 2402 and 2404, overmolded end handles 2406 and 2408, and acontoured central handle 2410 that is also overmolded to produce lateralgrip features 2412-2415. This type multi-grip dumbbell, like themulti-grip dumbbell shown in FIGS. 17-23, has been found to be mostsuitable for fixed-weight multi-grip dumbbells of weights five, ten, and15 pounds. For heavier multi-grip dumbbells, including 20-pound,25-pound, and 30-pound multi-grip dumbbells, cast one-piece weightedheads are found, in many cases, to be more suitable. FIG. 24B shows a30-pound multi-grip dumbbell featuring one-piece cast weighted heads.

In yet an additional example of a multi-grip dumbbell, the center handleis selectably rotatably mounted, rather than fixedly mounted, to theweighted heads. The central handle is mounted so that, in one selectableconfiguration, the handle does not rotate and acts as if it were fixedlymounted to the weighted heads. However, in a second selectableconfiguration, the handle can be held by a user in a constantorientation while the multi-grip dumbbell is rolled across a surface,the multi-grip-dumbbell weighted heads and an internal central-handlemember rotating as the dumbbell rolls across a surface while an outerportion of the central handle is held in a fixed orientation by theuser. Alternatively, the outer portion of the central handle may beviewed as rotating with respect to the interior member of the centralhandle and the weighted heads.

FIGS. 25-26 illustrate a selectably rotatably mounted central-handleassembly for the version of the multi-grip dumbbell that allows thecentral handle to be selectably configured to rotate with respect to theweighted heads and inner-central-handle member. The selectably rotatablymounted central-handle assembly is shown in an exploded view in FIG. 25.The assembly includes an outer, hollow central handle 2502 that, whenselected for rotatable mounting, rotates with respect to the weightedheads and an inner central-handle member 2504 that is fixedly mounted toend-handle brackets 2506 and 2508. The assembly further includesmounting nuts and lock washers 2510 and 2512 that secure theinner-central-handle member 2504 to end-handle brackets 2506 and 2508,and twistable collars 2514 and 2516 that fit over end portions 2518 and2520 of the outer central handle 2502. The twistable collars includeinner locking-ball tracks 2522-2525 parallel to the long axis of theinner-central-handle member that, when positioned above a locking ballpositioned between the twistable collars and end portions of the outercentral handle 2518 and 2520, release pressure on the locking ballallowing the outer central handle to rotate with respect to theinner-central-handle member 2504. The locking balls 2526 and 2528 areshown as small balls in FIG. 25. However, when the twistable collars arerotated so that the locking ball is not positioned within one of thetracks 2522-2525, the locking ball is pushed downward into a lengthwisegroove of the inner-central-handle member 2504 to fix the position ofthe outer central handle with respect to that of theinner-central-handle member. FIG. 26 provides greater detail withrespect to the central-handle rotation selection mechanism involving thelocking ball. When the locking ball is positioned within one of innerlocking-ball tracks 2522-2525, as shown in inset 2602, the locking balldoes not engage with the inner-central-handle member 2504, allowing theouter central handle 2502 to rotate freely with respect to the weightedheads. However, as shown in inset 2604, when the twistable collars aretwisted so that the locking ball does not lie within one of tracks2522-2525, the locking ball is depressed downward into one of thelengthwise grooves within the inner-central-handle member 2504.

Alternatively, a simple lock-pin mechanism may be included to provideselectably rotatable mounting of the outer central handle in anotherversion of the multi-grip dumbbell. In this case, when not inwardlydepressed, one or more locking pins do not engage theinner-central-handle member or the weighted heads but, when depressed,the locking pins engage either the inner-central-handle member or theweighted heads to fix the position of the outer central handle positionwith respect to that of the weighted heads or inner-central-handlemember. The locking pins may additionally be spring loaded to operatelike a radio button, so that each time a locking pin is depressed, thelocking pin adopt a different selection mode, a sequence of lock-pindepressions toggling the central handle back and forth between rotatableand fixed mountings.

Many different alternative examples of multi-grip dumbbells to which thecurrent application is directed are envisioned for implementation. Asone example, the weighted heads may be alternatively shaped, rather thanbeing circular. In one alternative example implementation, the weightedheads may be square or rectangular shaped. Alternatively, the weightedheads may be hexagonally or triangularly shaped. In yet additionalexamples and implementations, the weighted heads may be elliptical,rather than circular. Many different polymeric materials with differenttextures, colors, and other characteristics may be selected forovermolding various components of the multi-grip dumbbell. As discussedabove, a variety of different metal alloys, weight-filled plastics, oreven ceramics may be used to fabricated the weighted heads and thecentral handle. These materials would likely include composite materialswith reinforcing fibers or networks to provide adequate rigidity anddurability.

Additional modifications within the spirit of the invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art. For example, a multi-grip dumbbellmay be either an adjustable-weight dumbbell or a fixed-weight dumbbell.Accordingly, weighted heads may be either removably or permanentlyattached to a central handle. Multiple weighted ends may be attached inproximity to each end of a central handle. A multi-grip dumbbell may becomposed of a number of different materials, including steel, cast iron,urethane, plastic, foam, chrome, and other durable materials. Amulti-grip dumbbell may also be composed of a number of different vanitymaterials, including gold, silver, platinum, titanium, and other vanitymaterials. Weighted heads may be of shapes other than disc-shaped, suchas an octagonal-shaped or dodecahedral-shaped. Weighted heads may befabricated in a number of different colours. End handles may bechamfered and/or grooved. Side handles may be arc-shaped or of someother partially-polygonal shape, such as a partially-octagonal-shaped orpartially-dodecahedral-shaped. Side handles may include a non-roundcircumference, such as a U-shaped circumference, an oval circumference,or some other shaped circumference suitable for gripping. More than twoside handles may be positioned on a weighted head. A central handle mayinclude knurling and/or tapering to promote a tighter grip. A sidehandle may include knurling and/or tapering to promote a tighter grip.An end handle may include knurling and/or tapering to promote a tightergrip. The length of a central handle may range from two inches to threefeet. The diameter of a weighted head may range from two inches to threefeet. A multi-grip dumbbell may be coated with a resilient coating,including rubber, polyurethane, plastic, neoprene, non-chip paint,chrome plating, or other resilient coating to minimize the danger ofinjury and/or to enhance the appearance of the multi-grip dumbbell. Theresilient coating may be pigmented.

It is appreciated that the previous description of the disclosedembodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to makeor use the present disclosure. Various modifications to theseembodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, andthe generic principles defined herein may be applied to otherembodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of thedisclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limitedto the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

1. A multi-grip dumbbell comprising: a central dumbbell handle having afirst end and a second end; a first weighted head interconnected to thecentral dumbbell handle in proximity to the first end of the centraldumbbell handle, the first weighted head including at least oneadditional dumbbell handle; and a second weighted head interconnected tothe central dumbbell handle in proximity to the second end of thecentral dumbbell handle, the second weighted head including at least oneadditional dumbbell handle.
 2. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 1wherein the first weighted head includes a first side dumbbell handleand a second side dumbbell handle; and wherein the second weighted headincludes a third side dumbbell handle and a fourth side dumbbell handle.3. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 1 wherein the first weighted headincludes a first end dumbbell handle; and wherein the second weightedhead includes a second end dumbbell handle.
 4. The multi-grip dumbbellof claim 1 wherein the first weighted head includes a first sidedumbbell handle, a second side dumbbell handle, and a first end dumbbellhandle; and wherein the second weighted head includes a third sidedumbbell handle, a fourth side dumbbell handle, and a second enddumbbell handle.
 5. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 4 wherein thecentral dumbbell handle is contoured, having a continuously varyingcross-section diameter.
 6. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 5 whereinthe central dumbbell handle includes annular grip features.
 7. Themulti-grip dumbbell of claim 5 wherein the central dumbbell handleincludes lateral grip features.
 8. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 4wherein the cylindrical ring in each weighted head is one of: circularlyshaped; elliptically shaped; triangularly shaped, hexagonally shaped,and rectangularly shaped.
 9. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 4 whereinthe first weighted head and the second weighted head each includes acylindrical ring and a crossing member.
 10. The multi-grip dumbbell ofclaim 9 wherein each crossing member includes a mounting aperture intowhich a complementary feature at the end of the central dumbbell handleis mounted.
 11. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 10 wherein an enddumbbell handle is mounted about each crossing member.
 12. Themulti-grip dumbbell of claim 11 wherein a weight-plate bracket isincluded in each end dumbbell handle, the weight-plate bracket having anaperture through which a bolt passes to securely mount the end dumbbellhandle and weighted head including the end dumbbell handle to thecentral dumbbell handle.
 13. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 4 whereineach weighted head is fabricated as a single-piece casting.
 14. Themulti-grip dumbbell of claim 4 wherein the weighted-heads, end dumbbellhandles, and/or central dumbbell handle are over molded with a rubber,plastic, or other polymeric material.
 15. The multi-grip dumbbell ofclaim 4 wherein the weighted-heads, end dumbbell handles, and/or centraldumbbell handle are fabricated from one or more of: a metal or metalalloy, including iron, steel, and stainless steel; a plastic orpolymeric material; and a structured material, including fiberglass,with embedded reinforcing fibers.
 16. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 4wherein the central dumbbell handle includes an outer, hollowcentral-dumbbell handle member that is selectably rotatably mounted tothe multi-grip dumbbell.
 17. The multi-grip dumbbell of claim 16wherein, when a selection feature is configured in a first position, theposition of the outer, hollow central-dumbbell handle member is fixedwith respect to an inner central-dumbbell handle member to which theweighted heads are fixedly mounted, and when the selection feature isconfigured in a second position, the position of the outer, hollowcentral-dumbbell handle member is not fixed with respect to the innercentral-dumbbell handle member, allowing the outer, hollowcentral-dumbbell handle member to rotate with respect to the weightedheads and inner central-dumbbell handle member.
 18. The multi-gripdumbbell of claim 17 wherein the selection feature is one of: one ormore locking pins; and one or more locking balls and correspondingtwistable collars with inner locking-ball tracks.